Rotary Indexing Unit Pneumatic Positioning Bolt Overload Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary indexing units face challenges with precise positioning and wear reduction while maintaining installation space and repeat accuracy, and lack effective overload protection to prevent damage to the drive gearing.
Innovation Solution
A rotary indexing unit with a gear wheel and positioning bolt system that allows precise positioning of the swivel plate via a lifting movement, decoupling it from the drive for overload protection, using a multiple locking mechanism to prevent damage and incorporating a switch bracket for mechanical coupling and wear reduction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complicated hydraulic positioning device with two positioning bolts is used, then positioning function is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning function is segmented into two distinct phases: driving phase (during rotation) and positioning phase (at stop positions). The positioning bolt is only active at stop positions, while the drive gear wheel is active during rotation. This temporal and functional segmentation simplifies the overall device structure by eliminating the need for continuous engagement of positioning components.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning bolt is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to engage with the recess only at stop positions and disengage during rotation. This dynamic behavior enables the positioning device to adapt its function based on the operational phase, reducing complexity compared to a static positioning system that would require constant engagement.
2Measurement precision
If the positioning bolt continuously engages with the swivel plate, then positioning accuracy is maintained, but wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning bolt engages with the recess periodically only at stop positions rather than continuously. This periodic engagement maintains positioning accuracy at critical moments while significantly reducing the cumulative wear on both the positioning bolt and the recess, thereby extending the service life of these components.
3Productivity
If the swivel plate is firmly coupled to the drive, then driving efficiency is improved, but overload damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive gear wheel acts as an intermediary element between the drive and the swivel plate. During normal operation, it transmits driving forces efficiently. During overloads, it can disengage from the swivel plate, serving as a mechanical fuse that protects the drive gearing from damage while maintaining driving efficiency under normal conditions.
4Device complexity
If the positioning device is simplified to one bolt, then device complexity is reduced, but positioning reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The single positioning bolt is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both a positioning element (engaging with the recess to fix the swivel plate at stop positions) and a driving element (transmitting torque from the drive gear wheel to the swivel plate during rotation). This multi-functionality compensates for the reduction in quantity, maintaining positioning reliability while simplifying the device structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a rotary indexing unit comprising a pivot plate that can pivot about a pivoting axis by means of a drive that is situated in a housing. According to the invention, the pivot plate can be fixed in at least one hold position using a positioning device that has at least one pneumatic or hydraulically displaceable positioning bolt that engages in a cavity. In the hold position, the positioning device uncouples the drive of the pivot plate when the positioning bolt is locked. The invention provides a rotary indexing unit with a precise positioning device.